Guadalajara Tour

Guadalajara Tour outside Cabañas Landmark

The city of Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco, and is undoubtedly one of the main tourist destinations in Mexico because it’s a great modern metropolis steeped in the traditional Mexican flavor. It is no coincidence that it was voted the best city to live in our country and that is their optimal location, connectivity, climate and vast infrastructure are compelling reasons to enjoy it.

Guadalajara Tour Reservation Form

Knowing the essence of The City of Roses leisurely stroll through its center and vicinity; places contradict the past and present, which gives it a special identity that has been forged and reinvents this city still aptly named “The Pearl of West ”

For its cultural wealth, Pearl of the West, (the second largest city in Mexico) was recognized in 2005 as the American Capital of Culture.

Guadalajara Down Town Tour

Degollado theater at night in Guadalajara

Guadalajara Traditions

Tapatio Plaza in Guadalajara Tuorist Places

If your idea is to plan a trip so that activities are carried out for a specific purpose and that meet the interests of travelers (in this case within our range of cultural tourism) led by an expert guide. The itinerary is complemented with recreational activities and visits to tourist attractions, allowing us to provide well balanced and tours that allow our customers to get in touch with the local lifestyle. Our routes are planned from cultural management and not from the common perspective of tour operators that offer preset routes that are more profitable without taking into account the objectives of each visitor travel.

The craft is one of the ways that people have to tell their story and show your creativity, making it a true and genuine cultural event. This tour is conducted in two municipalities surrounding The City of Roses typical handicrafts and provincial folklore, so that you can experience the creative process of artisans and surprised with the final products of their wonderful work.

Guadalajara Tour

Walking hand in hand with an art expert popular these cultural sites, knowing the different processing techniques that work with blacksmithing, jewelry, glassware, pottery, woodwork and local sculpture.

Places to visit: Historic Downtown, Tonala and Tlaquepaque.
Duration: 8 hours.
Day tour price: USD
Book this Day Tour: Guadalajara City Tour

This sightseeing offers the traditional tianguis Tonala Mexico’s most famous and probably one of the oldest, and that was the point where they meet traditional artisans in ancient times.

Guadalajara Story

Guadalajara Story as a local I have this story of three characters with whom I shared their vision of what their places of Guadalajara should be. Where to taste, enjoy and experience the city. Through their stories I rediscovered my city. It is the main reazon I share the following few words and to draw routes on it.

In Guadalajara City

Nine years ago I hopped in a cab in Mexico city, the taxi driver, recognize myself as Tapatio, told me how they go to Guadalajara every year in their holiday travel.

With great detail informed me the precise route to get from the capital to the Mercado de San Juan de Dios, with a labyrinthine references told me where he bought the best fruit, peanuts, reeds, cakes, the best market and other rubbish. Hence, his bocho already loaded, your perfect plan was to go into the forest where Spring camping was a full week before his return to the capital.

The following story is recent, during the International Film Festival of Guadalajara I had the opportunity to meet a chef from San Miguel de Allende, she was involved in catering in films and despite the bustle characteristic of such Festival, told me that under no circumstances would stop taking time for specific orders of his family, including list panelas tanned, semes, chiles de arbol (peper), salty bread (birotes), agave syrup and more. When I asked where they planned to buy everything, the answer was clear and firm: “The Crown Market” Mercado Corona.

And finally, while I know and hear the stories of Don Enrique, a model 40, tapatío who loves to talk of the best things in life and his city. From what he heard that there was nothing like the steak tartare which was prepared in French Circle certainly legendary place full of memories, dances, dinners and parties for many generations in Guadalajara. For he also got to go to the Union Nevería a week before it closed, ready to try their classic lime and apple pie or pecan. Rediscovered the chicken from the German in the center and much, much more.

Every day without fail Enrique started his day at Cafe D’Val, the barista, the waitresses, the cashier greet you by name, you just get to go see him preparing his usual coffee in the bar instead Alex and Miguel express “more for Enrique now?”, sometimes ordering a scone, always read the newspaper says with co-chair and goes to smoke his cigar.

Something fascinating pace and customs is a list in a hard plastic cover that jealously guards in the briefcase, in it are the names of 10 bars or restaurants where every Friday, without fail, get together with friends to eat and have fun. So he enjoys his city, his whims, his greetings and everyday meals.

What if you assume the role of any of these three characters? Imagine yourself as a local tourist, marveling at their steps already taken and those still lacks give, or a cook who dares to look at each market the ingredients secret recipes of your family, or simply as Don Enrique, make our all those places where you eat and feel at home.

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Guadalajara

Jalisco state capital and largest town of the urban area called Zona Metropolitana de Guadalajara. It is located in western Mexico , the center of Jalisco , in the geographical area known as Valle de Atemajac.

Its territory delimited to the north by the municipalities of Zapopan and Santiago River , on the east by Tonala and Zapotlanejo , on the south and west with Tlaquepaque and Zapopan. The Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ( composed of 5 municipalities of Jalisco State) brings together a total of 4,544,123 inhabitants, This makes it the second most important city in Mexico, and the ninth largest urban agglomeration Latin America .

Its name comes from the Arabic word (Wadi al- Hiyara) which means river of stones or river running among stones or strengths Valley. The city council named old New Gales Guadalajara in honor of western Mexico conquistador Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán , who was born in Guadalajara , Spain.

In Mexico it is known by the nickname Pearl of the West or Perla Tapatía, Jalisco Bride or The City of Rosas. Also common is the use of letters GDL to refer to the city.

Natives of Guadalajara are called or Guadalajarenses or Tapatios being the first official and correct adjective but Tapatios is the most common name.

The constant incursions by Spanish conquistador Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán to the western lands of that time and territory of New Spain , in order to increase their dominance and power over those territories , resulted in the establishment of a new province was called Kingdom of Nueva Galicia . The region was inhabited by several indigenous groups , including kinks and Huichol tribes .

Guadalajara had three settlements before settling on its current site , initially Nochistlán was in the area known as the Mesa del Cerro, now known as San Juan . It was founded on January 5, 1532 Cristobal de Oñate , who in effect had been commissioned by Nuño de Guzmán. This cityhood wanted to bring him to secure his conquests yet able to defend the natural bellicosity . The town of Guadalajara was founded by 42 neighbors Guadalajara name it took in memory of the Spanish city of the same name , birthplace of Nuño de Guzmán. Villa did not last long in this place , with the consent of Guzman , Juan de Oñate (son of Cristobal de Oñate ) , Miguel de Ibarra and Sancho Ortiz , on May 19, 1533 , they planned to move it from place .

In the order of Juan de Oñate , who was commissioned by his father mayor of the new town, the May 24, 1533 , it was ordered that the foundation was made in the vicinity of Tonala . So , for the day August 8, 1533 , Guadalajara was in its second seat .

After two years of being the village on that site and after constant attacks from indigenous groups , Nuño de Guzmán ordered Tlacotán founded near , before March 1535 , again changed the site of the villa. On November 8, 1539 the Emperor Charles V granted coat of arms and title of city to the new town of Guadalajara. The new city was attacked on September 28, 1541 by the Indians who had participated in the War of Mixtón . Cristobal de Oñate , then governor of the city organized a battle against the natives of which were victorious the new inhabitants of Guadalajara. They thought then move it to Atemajac Valley , this valley ran the river now known as San Juan de Dios and was a safer place to be defended from attack of the natives.

A Tlacotán moved from Tonala and others where Tetlán October 9, 1541 was proclaimed the pattern of the new neighbors. Cristobal de Oñate , on February 5, 1542 , appointed the members of the new council to govern the destinies of the new city. Finally, on February 14, 1542 he founded the city of Guadalajara on the site where it is now , settling , plus Cristobal de Oñate , 63 families from the peninsula , formed by six Extremadura , 15 portugueses.16 Castilians , Basques 11 , 13 Andalusian and 9 mountaineers . Installed first of the current council Guadalajara , chaired by Miguel de Ibarra Biscay .

Until August 1542, reached its destination, the royal decrees issued by Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire and I of Spain , in November 1539, in which the title granted to Guadalajara city and coat of arms, that same month, proclaimed both bonds in the main square of Guadalajara and final novel .

In 1560 Pope Paul III authorized Guadalajara establish the bishopric of Nueva Galicia , and in that same year the audience ‘s reign was also transferred to that city, which by the time harbored some 500 Spanish , to as many black slaves and a 2200 Indian families scattered over an area of ​​five kilometers around the first foundations of the Cathedral .

The November 18 , 1791 , provided for the establishment of the University of Guadalajara in the city of the same name , the capital of the New Kingdom of Galicia. The opening of the cultural center was the November 3, 1792 , with the headquarters on St. Thomas excolegio .

For the War of Independence , Guadalajara played an important role as it was in this city where the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla declared the abolition of slavery . It was also here where he published the famous newspaper which published The American Clock ideas. In the vicinity of the place, on the bridge of Calderon , the battle took place where insurgents were defeated . Guadalajara also witnessed the death of the insurgent José Antonio “Master Torres ” who helped make the city Hidalgo . After the war of independence, and with the proclamation of free and sovereign state of Jalisco , This city became the capital of the state .

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Panoramic tour of the most famous monuments in the historic district of Guadalajara Jalisco in a horse drawn carriage. Admire the majestic architecture of its buildings beautifully lit. Enjoy old Guadalajara from a traditional buggy ride . Our exclusive transportation will pick you up at your hotel so you enjoy this ¨must do¨ activity during the evening hours.

Your own private tour guide relating and pointing to the most interesting sites in the city. You just seat back and relax to the clopping of the horse’s hooves that remain us from the recent past in old Guadalajara life style.

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Where is tequila Made?

Tequila is one of the icons of Mexico and specifically from the central part of Mexico in the state of Jalisco near Guadalajara City. This ¨Mezcal wine¨ has been distilled since the times of Christ according to several researchers and archaeologists from the UNAM national university. Today this spirited drink is being exported to all the countries in the world and becoming the most popular drink in Asia prepared as several mixed cocktails or margaritas.

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Agave Landscape near Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico

In the agave landscape near Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico, Near Guadalajara there are attractive areas for tourism to visit, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006, the agave landscape of Jalisco is the birthplace of one of Mexico’s most representative drinks: Tequila. Discover this amazing region!

Agave Landscape near Guadalajara Tourism

When I found out that the agave landscape had been recognized in the Thirtieth Assembly of UNESCO, held in Lithuania, as a World Heritage Site, I was not surprised. This is certainly a unique and paradigmatic region that developed and grew accompanying history of an important region of our country. That landscape that was part of the inner life of the estates producing tequila for more than 200 years, had leaked to the world stage to add more to an award that had won as spirit.

True, and this was settled, the agave landscape includes blue plant crops, distilleries, factories, pubs, clandestine distilleries of the time of the colonial administration, urban settlements of Tequila, Arenal and Amatitlan, besides the archaeological Teuchitlán.

And this is because the drink now recognized by historians, poets and artists of renown has a long history dating back to pre-Hispanic world. A decoction of the cones, gave the old settlers prove satisfying pieces of “mezcal” that left a pleasant taste on the palate, a fact that is apparent in our day to try the pineapple slices and sweet cooked submitted yet or as a snack in some markets in the region. Pray well, in the fifties, these small pieces of pineapples sold in markets of Mexico City. Today could prove one of them to visit a factory producing tequila.

Agave Landscape near Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico

A great transformation

When the Spaniards realized that these pads contain sugars that could be alcohol, undertook to cook the pineapple juice to ferment after and get the wort would happen after the distillation system that the Arabs had taken to Spain. So get a drink called mezcal wine. In the case of agave known Weber tequilana scientist, has become world famous as a cultural phenomenon called tequila.

A journey of the senses

Today as before, is very attractive to make the trip to learn about the agave landscape. Just about 60 kilometers west of Guadalajara first appear even invade agave fields and verges of roads and highways.

The tequila fame spread throughout the world and very few people today are reluctant to give this drink with crystal-clear on shaking breaks into beads on the surface of the vessels. The old factories still in the middle of the last century (1940) produced between 500 and 1,000 liters of tequila were insufficient daily. Domestic demand driven from the eighties by the recognition that the drink reached in various world capitals, broke the last remaining barrier and broke horses in the best places and the homes of the wealthy from around the country.

It’s worth getting there and visit the Canyon Tequila, if you are lucky and if you get a good certified tour guide, you’ll even hear about the miracles of Santo Toribio Romo, a martyr of the Cristero War. At Tequila a must is the National Museum of Tequila, where you know in detail the production process, in addition to fun facts and an amazing collection of bottles of tequila. Some people prefer to do the train route from Guadalajara, addressing the Tequila Express, which provides the service on Saturday and Sunday to go directly to the most important factories, know the process, try white and rested, get the smell of must, admire the old factories and new distillation columns.

A break can be especially for those who wish to accompany the blue agave drink the magic of Jalisco kitchen products. How to resist a birria original, pozole and some delicious roasted truly regional, amid a traditional ending to subjugate the skeptics.

Some people are more adventurous and called Guachimontones wonder, for that wonderful place explored over 30 years by a relentless American archaeologist named Phil C. Weigand. Uncovered, Guachimontones in Teuchitlán has become a magnet for all those interested in the search for the origins of Mexican cultures. Given its geographic location, Teuchitlán part of agave landscape and obviously was in these parts where the ingenuity of the settlers discovered agave pineapple and cooking for its first plant juices.

View images on television agave landscape with the camera moving at high speed on them is exciting, admire the pictures of the blue agave fields of plants and red earth is a visual experience that is second only images we left the chamber Figueroa, but walking or jogging in search of the horizon between the rows of agaves that are whimsical geometric figures in all directions, can be an unforgettable experience, in any case it is to live in real time and sometimes unattainable.

World Cultural Landscape

The agave landscape was inscribed on the category of cultural landscapes in the Assembly XXX World Heritage Committee of UNESCO. This safeguard universal covering Tequila Valley region, which includes 36.658 acres, plant crops blue, distilleries, factories, pubs, clandestine distilleries of the time of the colonial administration, urban settlements of Tequila, Arenal and Amatitlan addition to the archaeological remains of Teuchitlán.

Tequila Express

Train to Tequila Express

It’s a train consisting of four cars with capacity for 68 people. Exits Guadalajara, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 20:00 hours. Tickets can be purchased with Services and Tourism of Guadalajara, in the Historic Center delegation, Chapala, Cocula and Tequila. We recommend buying a month and a half in advance. More information call: +52 33 3659 9379l.

He had his best between the years 200-400 Bebore of our era and declined around 900 AD It has been difficult to establish the characteristics of its settlement, but for the visitor to know the circular structures of its construction, the evidence of the magnificent flying and ball games, are enigmatic because it is a unique case in the Classic cultures of Mesoamerica and Western Mexico.

If you are confused about what Tequila train is best for you read on. There are several differences between Jose Cuervo Express and Tequila Express Train. Enjoy the aromas, colors and history that surround this spirited drink. Make it a fun and educational experience.

For many of us in Mexico a train ride to Amatitan or to Tequila in the state of Jalisco is a journey to the past. Nostalgic memories we keep from the not so distant past. Regular passenger trains stopped covering the country in end of last century.

Over the past 150 years, the railways have been involved in the formation and development of modern Mexico. Besides its enormous economic and social contribution, this transport has generated an inseparable historical and cultural heritage, as part of a national collective memory.

After 14 years the train again has gone to work with Tequila Express staring in 2005. This Tequila experience used to be on a train but nowadays takes place on a bus. It is the same quality of service, same attractions as before but on a Bus.

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in now enriched by Cuervo Tequila Express, responsible for dusting the tracks further west of Guadalajara making this magical town another option for a memorable vacation. Several train carts brought from Europe had to be adopted to fit Mexico rail tracks.

The trains will return in the afternoon after about 60 kilometers, just for visitors to admire the sunset over the green landscape full of blue agave plants.

For two hours commuting enjoyed every one of the exclusive cars including the bar, dining room and the VIP, where delicious snacks are offered Mexican, margaritas and a variety of distinctive cocktails.
At Tequila Town enjoyed the tour of the distillery’s Rojeña, the oldest in Latin America, where we learned the history of tequila, from agave jima up an experience for the senses in an unrivaled professional tasting tequila.

You can also participate in an incredible journey through the agave fields nestled a few miles from the Tequila volcano, whose explosion 22,000 years ago, gave the land the minerals that make possible the sweet flavor of the blue agave type, known as “tequilana weber “.

There, in the midst of red earth and black obsidian stones, the jimadores (farmers) waiting patiently for agaves are 12 or 13 years and reach maturity to be processed. Once the blue agave plant is ripe, cut their long fronds (leaves) edged up to leave a huge ball that resembles a pineapple, the interior sugars will need to be cooked to be transformed into sugars, after distillation process occurs, ancestral concoction that has brought fame to Mexico.

A girl waiting for the Express Train to Tequila

Move to the center of the town of Amatitan, the birthplace of the renowned drink, involves being seduced by the more than 35 000 hectares of agave fields that populate the nearby hills and the villages surrounding environment where tranquility reigns and the colorful houses.
The distillery hacienda San Jose del Refugio, whose building dates to the colonial times was a hacienda and a library, retains traditional ovens for baking the agave and stills (containers) where tequila is produced since the XVII Century.
Equally ancient are the cellars, there are between the white oak and French oak a pleasant aroma that blends essences of chocolate, wood and alcohols, emanating from the tequila that is aged and rest there for a few years.

The treasure of both haciendas is definitely in the cellar, under a dim light that stores the “jugs”, small glass bottles that hold the tequila produced between 1800 and 1900, the taste of which have only tried a few.
The mariachi, always present in these lands, is the finale of a visit to the past, a history that began in pre-Hispanic times, when, according to legend, an agave lightning fire, with the goddess Mayahuel Tequila discovered , the Mexican drink that has swept the world.

Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) is about 17 kilometers or 11 miles southeast of the city. Several Airlines serve this City of Roses from the US, Canada, Europe, and within Mexico. International Connections are usually via Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta half an hour away. For airport transportation offers shared ride shuttle van service to and from any place in the metropolitan area. For details phone +52 33 1578 0421 in Guadalajara Mexico or send an e-mail to gusmelor@gdltours.com.

The major domestic airline is Aeroméxico, with flights linking the city. Smaller regional airlines operate in different parts of the country. Traveling between destinations within the country often involves changing planes in Mexico City. Schedules, fares and routes all are subject to change. All arriving pasengers muste present valid proof of citizenship and their filled out tourist permit (distributed on the flight) No visa is necessary for US citizens (as of 2013) Although policy keeps changing to enter Mexico, generally anyone with US visa and their passport in sufficient to enter as tourist. (Check before you purchase your airline ticket). Present your enter to the Immigration ounter before proceeding to the baggage claim area.

The last stop is Mexican customes; make sure your declaration form is properly filled out. Mexico uses a random ¨Red Light – Green Light¨ system. If you have nothing to declare, you will be asked or directed to push a button. If the light is green you may proceed without inspection. If the light flashes red your luggage will be routinely searched. If you do not declare items over and above what is allowed and pay all applicable duties and are then caught by a red light, you will be fined. (This process takes between 1 – 2 hours after you arrive)